This paper examines the role of athletics at most colleges and universities, but in particular at the historically black colleges and universities. The paper notes the power of athletic events to bring together the nation and even the globe and the leading role of the athletic community internationally and athletes individually in taking stands against South Africa or effecting changes in social and racial relations. The paper points out the influence of black achievements in sports on the African American community and goes on to examine the role of college athletics in U.S. society. Many leaders from the African American community have benefitted from involvement in sports programs at the collegiate level. A conclusion calls on schools to remember the value of athletics programs in college and makes the following four recommendations for historically black colleges: (1) maintain programs that develop individuals who are skilled and concerned with the advancement of society; (2) use athletics to unify the university; (3) use revenues from sports to develop programs in sports typically not accessible to African Americans (e.g., golf and tennis); and (4) use the popularity of athletics to promote the name and prestige of historically black colleges so as to attract high quality students. Included are 11 references. (JB)